Mainz is thinking big

Biotechnology is regarded as one of the key technologies of the 21st century. And this industry of the future is being ­driven not only in London and San Francisco, but also in the comparatively tranquil city of Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Mainz aims to become one of the leading locations for biotechnology and the life sciences.

Biomindz is playing a key role in achieving this goal – a municipally owned company established in 2023. Its objective: from its base in Mainz, Biomindz aims to further advance pioneering technologies to the benefit of society by enabling startups and companies to get established and grow successfully in the city. As a one-stop shop, Biomindz serves as the central point of contact for companies, investors and research institutions.

Space for pioneering ideas equivalent to 42 football pitches

The Life Science Campus is at the heart of this development. Located just a few hundred metres from the FSV Mainz 05 football stadium and Johannes Gutenberg University, it is the most visible expression of these ambitions. Several labora­tory and office buildings are being constructed on the site. In total, around 30 hectares are available across the city for startups and companies to establish themselves and grow. That is roughly equivalent to 42 football pitches.

For Biomindz Managing Director Felix Wälder, the aim is not short-term success, but long-term growth: “We’re looking to reinvest the international attention and economic momentum that Mainz has gained through Biontech’s success in its future.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, the German biotechnology company became the first in the world to receive approval for an mRNA-based vaccine. While Biontech is now undergoing a period of transition, Mainz is continuing to drive the sector’s development. “It is exemplary for a city to make such a strategic commitment to an industry of the future,” says Felix Wälder.

A strong business region with major companies

Yet Mainz, a relatively small city with around 227,000 inhabitants, is competing with major international centres. In order to strengthen its position, Biomindz promotes not only the advantages of the city itself, but also those of the wider Frankfurt Rhine-Main region. “Mainz is located in a strong business region that is home to major companies such as Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim, Sanofi and Schott Pharma,” says Wälder. “Companies that choose Mainz also benefit from all the advantages the region has to offer.” 
 

Wälder believes there are several other factors in Mainz’s favour. The city occupies a central location in Europe and has “outstanding infrastructure links to global markets”. Frankfurt Airport is less than 25 minutes away. The city and the wider region also have a large pool of highly qualified professionals. With a university, a university of applied sciences, sev­eral research institutions and hospitals, Mainz is a recognised centre of research and scholarship. Last but not least, Wälder highlights the distinctive “Mainz spirit”: this refers to the local way of life – people are regarded as open, warm-hearted and down-to-earth, and they enjoy socialising. “Mainz is simply an attractive place to live and work,” says Wälder.

A cure for diseased grapevines

These favourable conditions persuaded the startup LigniLabs, for example, to establish itself in the city. The young company is developing an eco-friendly crop protection product for grapevines to combat Esca, a fungal disease previously considered incurable. “Mainz is an ideal location for us as a biotechnology and chemicals startup,” says co-founder Dr Justin Grabow. “There’s a clear sense that policymakers, researchers and businesses are working together to enhance Mainz’s position as a leading biotech hub.” 

Tron, too, is now deeply rooted in the city. The Mainz-based research institute co-founded by Biontech founders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci is researching new diagnostics and therapies for diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus on cancer. Project Manager Dr Nina Lolies says of the location: “In Mainz, research, clinical application and commercial implementation are closely interconnected. This interaction creates an ideal environment for our mission.”

Germany’s most dynamic city

Mainz’s Mayor Nino Haase believes the city is on the right track. “The positive development of recent years has played a major part in Mainz being named Germany’s most dynamic city four times in succession,” he says, referring to a city ranking by IW Consult. “Our ambition is clear: we want to establish Mainz permanently as a leading European biotechnology location, with particular strengths in oncology, im­munology, mRNA technology and personalised medicine.”